Saba Saba: How July 7 demos started and how they reshaped Kenya’s political landscape

July 7, 2025, will mark 25 years since the term Saba Saba was used in the political context in Kenya, pointing to a spirited fight by the people against the government of the day.

First started in 1990, Saba Saba began as a fight for multiparty democracy during Daniel arap Moi’s autocratic regime, and has evolved into a continuing tradition of citizen activism, marking demands for political freedom, social justice, and economic equity.

For most Kenyans, Saba Saba has been commemorated as a day of resistance, reflection, and advocacy.

Origin of Saba Saba

Before the day of reckoning in 1990, Kenya had been turned into a one-party state under Moi, with the Kenya African National Union (KANU) being the only legal party in the country.

The new rule was established after the 1982 coup attempt against Moi. In the years that followed, suppression by the government increased, which was equally met by resistance by citizens and the political class. Political opposition and press freedoms were suppressed, with discontent growing due to economic mismanagement and systemic marginalisation of various communities.

Even as dissent grew, the likes of Kenneth Matiba, Charles Rubia, and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga called for a rally at Kamukunji Grounds in Nairobi to demand multiparty democracy. Other figures who were prominent in the struggle for multipartyism and Saba Saba rallies included Koigi wa Wamwere, Raila Odinga and James Orengo. The rally was banned; protestors defied the ban and widespread unrest erupted. Riot police responded violently, with arrests, detentions without trial, and fatalities.

Despite the clashes, Saba Saba pushed Moi into repealing Section 2A in 1991, returning Kenya to being a multi-party state. The rallies also emboldened civil society and youth activists to engage in governance debates, rightly establishing July 7 as a symbol of people’s power.

Over the years, other activists and political players have used Saba Saba to advocate for certain issues, including Wangari Maathai, who in 2003 led the procession for environmental justice and land restitution, Paul Muite who advocated for a people-driven constitution, Maina Kiai who led a vigil for post-election victims and Ndung’u Wainaina and Gladwell Otieno who hailed new Constitution as fulfilment of Saba Saba’s intent.

Others who have carried on the spirit of Saba Saba include Boniface Mwangi, Harun Ndubi, Boniface Akumu, Gacheke Gachihi, and Jerotich Seii.

While Saba Saba advocated for multiparty democracy and an end of dictatorship in the 1990s, in the 2000s, the day was used to fight for constitutional reforms, human rights, and environmental justice. In the 2010s, the day was used to demand for police accountability, extrajudicial killings, and economic fairness, while in the 2020s, Saba Saba has been used to fight for digital freedoms,  Gen  Z-led activism,  financial justice, and youth empowerment.

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